You are here

Budget

Ohio received an “A+” when it comes to government spending transparency, according to “Following the Money 2015: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” the sixth annual report of its kind by the Ohio Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. Ohio's grade improved significantly since last year, jumping from a D- to the first A+ in the history of this report.

Columbus, Ohio – Federal subsidies for commodity crops are subsidizing junk food additives like high-fructose corn syrup, at a rate that would buy 20 Twinkies for each taxpayer every year, according to Ohio PIRG’s new report, “Apples to Twinkies 2013.”

At a time when America faces high obesity rates and tough federal budget choices, taxpayer dollars are funding the production of junk food ingredients. Since 1995, the government has spent $292.5 billion on agricultural subsidies, $19.2 billion of which have subsidized corn- and soy-derived junk food ingredients.

Every year, state governments spend tens of billions of dollars through contracts with private entities for goods and services, subsidies to encourage economic development, grants, and other forms of spending. Accountability and public scrutiny are necessary to ensure that state funds are well spent.

Cincinnati received a grade of “B+” for spending transparency, according to a new report released today by the Ohio PIRG Education Fund. The report reviews Cincinnati’s progress toward comprehensive, one-stop, one-click budget accountability and accessibility.

The ability to see how government uses the public purse is fundamental to democracy. Transparency in government spending checks corruption, bolsters public confidence, improves responsiveness, and promotes greater effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.